Inhalation Toxicology and Histopathology of Ricin and Abrin Toxins

Intrapulmonary Delivery of Ricin at High Dosage Triggers a Systemic Inflammatory Response and Glomerular Damage

“…These data are consistent with previous reports on the histopathological effects of aerosolized ricin in animal systems. 20,21,[31][32][33] In addition, we have demonstrated that instilled ricin caused widespread nuclear localization of phosphorylated ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK, but only phosphorylated p38 MAPK was evident in control lungs. These results are consistent with data obtained by immunoblotting, which demonstrated that ricin induced a large increase in phosphorylated JNK and ERK, but not p38 MAPK (Figure 3a).…”

“…19 After aerosol exposure, the pathology is essentially restricted to the lungs. 20 Previous studies using inhaled 125 I-ricin in mice revealed that only a small fraction of the radioactivity reaching the lungs was transferred to extrapulmonary sites. 21 In these experiments, the authors conjectured that the 125 I-ricin was degraded within the lung and that most of the radioactivity that appeared in the circulation was probably in the form of free 125 I.…”

Evaluation by ELISA of Ricin Concentration in Fluids and Tissues after Exposure to Aerosolised Ricin, and Evaluation of an Immunochromatographic Test for Field Diagnosis

“…For inhalation studies, pure ricin toxin (batch 914/028) was prepared in-house from seeds (Ricinus communis var Zanzibarensis) as previously described [1]. Ricinus seeds were purchased from Sandeman Seeds S.A.R.L., 7 Route de Burosse, 64350 Lalongue, France.…”

“…Over the past half century, concern has particularly been expressed about the potential use of the protein synthesis-inhibitory plant toxin, ricin, for malign purposes against military personnel and civilians. An obvious potential route of exposure is by inhalation and this toxin has been shown to produce life-threatening consequences following the delivery of relatively small quantities as an aerosol [1,2]. A consequence of the possible aggressive use of ricin has been the development of medical approaches to protection and treatment; both vaccination and the post-exposure therapeutic use of passive-immunity in the form of antitoxin antibodies have been explored and products are close to being licensed [3].…”

Resíduos da produção de biodiesel: Avaliação de moléculas bioativas e potencial de aplicação na alimentação animal

“…A purificação da ricina é realizada por cromatografia de afinidade, em colunas de sepharose 4B (GRIFFITHS et al, 1995), mas existem relatos de preparo praticamente artesanais, tornando o acesso a essa toxina relativamente fácil, embora na forma não purificada (HUTCHKINSON, 1988).…”